How can we discern truth amidst conflicting beliefs about Jesus today? Hearing the Buzz about Jesus Luke 9:7-8 sets the scene: Herod “was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, by others that Elijah had appeared, and by still others that a prophet of old had arisen. ‘John I beheaded,’ Herod said, ‘but who is this of whom I hear such things?’ And he kept trying to see Him.” People had wildly different ideas: resurrected John, returning Elijah, anonymous prophet. That swirl of opinion feels a lot like today’s podcasts, documentaries, and social-media threads. So how do we cut through the noise? Certainty Begins with What Jesus Says about Himself • Jesus asks His own disciples soon afterward, “Who do you say I am?” (Luke 9:20). • Peter answers plainly, “The Christ of God.” Scripture presents this as historical fact, not personal theory, inviting us to accept the same unshakable conclusion. Why the Written Word Is Our Anchor • 2 Peter 1:16-19—Peter insists, “we did not follow cleverly devised myths… we were eyewitnesses.” He calls Scripture “a lamp shining in a dark place.” • John 5:39—Jesus points to Moses and the Prophets as testifying about Him. • Because every word is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), we trust the text over rumor, trend, or feeling. Four Discernment Checks When Claims Clash 1. The Gospel Test – Galatians 1:8-9 warns that even an angel preaching a different gospel is accursed. – Any teaching that dilutes Jesus’ deity, humanity, atonement, or resurrection fails the test. 2. The Context Test – “No prophecy of Scripture comes about by the prophet’s own interpretation.” (2 Peter 1:20-21) – Let passages explain passages; clip-and-paste theology breeds error. 3. The Spirit’s Witness – John 16:13 promises, “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” – The Spirit never contradicts the written Word He inspired. 4. The Church’s Guardrails – Acts 2:42 shows believers “devoted to the apostles’ teaching.” – Ephesians 4:14-15 urges us not to be “tossed by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine.” Sound fellowship helps spot deception. What Luke 9 Reveals about Jesus’ Identity • Miracle Worker: feeding five thousand (v. 14-17) demonstrates divine power. • Messiah Foretold: “The Son of Man must suffer… be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (v. 22) Jesus defines His mission before it happens. • Divine Glory: the Transfiguration follows (v. 28-36). The Father declares, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him!”—the ultimate endorsement. Practical Steps for Today • Read a Gospel through in one sitting each month to stay grounded in the firsthand record. • Memorize key Christ-centered passages (John 1:1-18; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-4). • Compare every new claim to the whole counsel of Scripture before sharing or “liking” it. • Cultivate friendships that open the Bible together; solitary browsing can mislead. • Keep returning to the question Jesus asks: “Who do you say I am?” Let Scripture form your answer daily, and the clamor of competing voices will fade in His clear, trustworthy light. |
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